The Carabao Cup kicks off its first round with an exciting Yorkshire derby as Middlesbrough hosts Doncaster Rovers at the Riverside Stadium. For Championship side Middlesbrough, this match represents a chance to continue their strong start to the season and secure a comfortable passage into the next round. Under the management of Michael Carrick, the Boro will be looking to their superior squad depth and home advantage to assert their dominance. However, they will be wary of the potential for a cup upset. League Two side Doncaster Rovers, under the management of Grant McCann, comes into the fixture with the same ambition. This match is a marquee event for the League Two team, offering a chance to test their mettle against higher-tier opposition and potentially produce a famous giant-killing performance.
Middlesbrough has been in good form to start the season, and they will be looking to their key players, such as forward Žan Vipotnik and midfielder Melker Widell, to continue their strong performances. Their victory over Swansea in their league opener has given them a boost of confidence. Doncaster Rovers, on the other hand, has had a mixed start to their League Two season. They will be looking to capitalize on any complacency from the home side and use the Carabao Cup as an opportunity to find their rhythm. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Middlesbrough expected to dominate possession and Doncaster Rovers likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
- Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
- Location: Middlesbrough, England
- Stadium: Riverside Stadium
- Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 2:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM BST / 8:30 PM CEST
- Referee: Craig Hicks
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is a long one, but they have not faced each other in a competitive match for several years. Their most recent meeting was in the 2018-19 Carabao Cup, where Middlesbrough secured a 2-1 victory. Middlesbrough’s recent form has been solid, with a win in their Championship opener. Doncaster Rovers, on the other hand, has had a mixed start to their League Two season, but they did secure a comfortable victory in their last outing, which should give them a boost of confidence. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win.
Middlesbrough:
Middlesbrough enters this match in a strong position, with a solid start to their Championship season. The team will be looking to their key players, including their new signings and in-form midfielders, to control the game and deliver a performance worthy of their league status. Manager Michael Carrick is expected to use this match to give some of his squad players valuable minutes and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
- August 9, 2025: Middlesbrough 1–0 Swansea City (Championship)
- August 2, 2025: FC Augsburg 1–1 Middlesbrough (Friendly)
- July 26, 2025: FC Heidenheim 0–1 Middlesbrough (Friendly)
Doncaster Rovers:
Doncaster Rovers is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. Despite their difficult start to the league season, the team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset. Manager Grant McCann has a number of new signings at his disposal, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Doncaster will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Middlesbrough and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
- August 9, 2025: Doncaster Rovers 2–1 Accrington Stanley (League Two)
- August 2, 2025: Leyton Orient 1–0 Doncaster Rovers (League Two)
- July 25, 2025: York City 1–1 Doncaster Rovers (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Middlesbrough is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their midfielders to create scoring opportunities for their forwards. Their key players, including Morgan Rogers and Žan Vipotnik, will be the main attacking threats. Doncaster Rovers, on the other hand, will likely play with a compact defensive line, absorbing pressure and attempting to launch quick counter-attacks. The pace of their wingers could be a key factor for Doncaster. The battle in the midfield will be crucial, and if Doncaster can disrupt Middlesbrough’s rhythm, they could have a chance to pull off a surprise victory. However, Middlesbrough’s individual quality and home advantage should be too much for their opponents.
How to Watch Middlesbrough vs. Doncaster Rovers on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports+ |
| United States | ESPN+ |
| Canada | DAZN Canada |
| Australia | beIN Sports |
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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